Nola, Italy, January 14 – The Naples Economic-Financial Police Unit has executed a preventive seizure order against the entire company of prominent Neapolitan TikToker, Angelo Napolitano, known for his Napolitano Store. The seizure, issued by the investigating judge of the Court of Nola at the request of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, is in connection with a large-scale VAT fraud investigation.
Company Seized Amidst Allegations of ‘Black Market’ Sales
The company, which specializes in the sale of home appliances and mobile phones, is accused of orchestrating a sophisticated VAT fraud scheme. This is not the first time Napolitano’s business has come under scrutiny; a similar preventive seizure, amounting to 5.7 million euros, was carried out on September 17, which was later confirmed by the Court of Review. That previous action also included the seizure of a 16.5-meter yacht, formally registered to third parties but believed by investigators to be at the entrepreneur’s disposal.
The alleged fraud mechanism involved offering significant discounts on mobile phones and televisions, but only if customers paid in cash and ‘under the table’. This allowed the company to generate ‘black market’ sales while issuing false invoices without VAT (under a ‘reverse charge’ regime) to ‘paper companies’. This effectively disguised retail sales, which should be subject to ordinary VAT rates, as wholesale transactions without tax, enabling the company to offer prices significantly below market value compared to large retailers and manufacturers. These transactions were reportedly accompanied by receipts resembling fiscal receipts but lacking any legal validity.
Dramatic Increase in Turnover Under Scrutiny
Investigations coordinated by the Nola Public Prosecutor’s Office have revealed a staggering increase in the company’s turnover, which allegedly rose from 2.2 million euros in 2017 to 20.8 million euros in 2023. This tenfold increase is now a central focus of the fraud inquiry.
Napolitano, who had previously been involved in a political ‘gag’ with fellow TikToker Rita De Crescenzo and a regional councilor, took to social media after the latest seizure to address his followers. “You’ve heard the news. Okay, we’ll get through this too. We’ve had a 15-day closure, but we remain fully available for purchases or anything else in Cardito di Napoli, or at the Cis di Nola, or always in Casalnuovo, at another location that will be operational tomorrow. We have to wait 15 days. We’ll get through this too,” he stated on TikTok, attempting to downplay the situation.
The Broader Implications of the Investigation
The ongoing investigation highlights the growing scrutiny on businesses that leverage social media for promotion while allegedly engaging in illicit financial practices. The use of TikTok to drive sales, combined with the alleged fraudulent activities, presents a complex challenge for financial authorities.
The seizure of the entire company’s assets underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the determination of the Italian financial police to combat VAT fraud. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for other businesses operating in similar ways within the digital sphere.
Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses. The company will remain under judicial administration for the foreseeable future, with operations potentially impacted for the 15-day period mentioned by Napolitano.
